Peru’s Population Follows State and National Rural Community Trends
By John T. Ryan
Peru – Highlights of the Peru Town Board’s September 13th meeting
Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald stated that the U.S. Census Bureau reported that Peru’s population declined from 6,998 in 2010 to 6,772 in 2020 (-226 people), a 3.2%. decline. He noted the problems census takers encountered during the covid pandemic. Counselor Rick Barber noted that many of our young people have been leaving the area. (Note – The Peru Gazette plans to analyze the census data in other Clinton County towns).
Water-Sewer-Parks Superintendent Courtney reported that clarifying equipment for the sewer treatment plant has arrived. It will be installed by town personnel which Tetrault said would save the town approximately $35,000 compared to hiring an outside contractor. Tetrault also reported that NYS DEC recently rated the hamlet and Valcour water treatment plants to be satisfactory.
Other actions the board were:
Reappointed George Coon to the Board of Assessment Review.
Listened to a Clinton County Health Department presentation on its Routes to Better Health Program. Town Attorney Matt Favro recommended that the planning and zoning boards review the program. $8,000 in funding is available, but the board must take action before December 31, 2021. The board hopes to consider the program at its October 25th meeting.
Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Clinton County Health Department for clinic services. The health department uses the town hall’s lower level for its Women’s, Infants and Children (WIC) services.
Accepted a speed limit reduction request from Arnold Rd. residents. The request will be forwarded to the Clinton County Highway Department which will forward it to NYS. Eventually it will return to the town board with recommendations. NYS declines the vast majority of requests unless the road in question has a history of serious accidents.
Approved a $1,836.69 contract with the Clinton County Youth Bureau. The county assists Peru’s ongoing youth programs.
Approved a $536,326.59 payment to Rifenburg Construction in connection with the ongoing sewer upgrade project. Courtney Tetrault said Rifenburg is making progress, but material delays are holding up some aspects of the project.
Set workshop and meeting dates to formulate and approve the town’s 2022 town budgets.
| Peru Town 2022 Budgeting Schedule:
Wednesday, September 22, 2021, 6:00PM Special Meeting to Present Tentative Budget Highway Budget Workshop Wednesday, September 29, 2021, 6:00PM Water/Sewer/Valcour Workshop Wednesday, October 6, 2021, 6:00PM General Workshop
Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 6:00PM Salaries Workshop Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 6:00PM Budget Review Workshop Thursday, November 4, 2021, 6:00 PM Public Hearing on Preliminary Budget Monday, November 15, 2021, 6:00 PM Special Meeting to Adopt Final Budget |
Posted: September 22nd, 2021 under Peru/Regional History, Town Board News.